In the absence of the Secretary at War, James McHenry the President has charged Timothy Pickering with interim duties. Accordingly, Pickering writes to John Fitzgerald. Colonel John Fitzgerald is the Collector of the Port of Alexandria. Issue is matter of pay for seaman and Marines aboard frigate Constellation. Requests that Fitzgerald advance $700 to Triplett.

Hamilton discusses a case in which a private vessel, engaged by the British Consul at Norfolk, has been damaged by unauthorized persons. This constitutes a private trespass which must be redressed through the ordinary course of law.

The friends of Captain Josiah Roberts have asked Rep. Ames to submit for the consideration of the President the possible appointment of Roberts to command one of the U.S. ships of war. Roberts is a man of uncommon fidelity and spirit who is undaunted in danger, cool and perservering, and an excellent experienced seaman.

Robinson had offered his sentiments to the Secretary of War regarding the appointment of Captain Thomas Robinson to command one of the armed ships of the United States but since Stoddert is Chief of the Naval Department the information should be directed to him. Robinson has been master of a vessel for at least 13 years and served as Master's Mate of the "Warwick" during the late war. He is a...

This is Henley's general estimate of the expenses incurred for the defense of the Southwestern Territory for 1793 with Governor Blount's estimate for the ordinary expenses of governments for the ensuing year 1794.

Expresses satisfaction that the careening business is over and that the damage sustained from launching has been repaired. Discusses replacement of ballast; and then putting ship in the stream a safe distance from the wharf and then take on guns and such articles required by the purveyor. Lieutenant McRea will be on board with his men from Fort Mifflin. Has no objection to seamen hired to help...

Certification that $50.82 is due Lieutenant Charles Stuart on board the frigate "United States", being the balance due him upon the settlement of his account for recruiting seaman for the "United States", and for contingent expenses attending same.

Knox solicits an expert to provide one of many estimates for the cost of constructing frigates of various tonnage for Navy. Foster notes that Knox may be a better judge of the cost of the guns and the warlike stores. Recommends that timber be cut in the fall of the year of construction.

Discusses rules of engagement between a neutral vessel and a belligerent power. Questions whether or not a neutral vessel has a right resist - by force - a search of their ship, or if a belligerent power has a right to search a neutral ship and carry the vessel back to their country for a trial. McHenry adds that the United States has no obligation to return deserters from British vessels, and...

Discusses rules of engagement between a neutral vessel and a belligerent power. Questions whether or not a neutral vessel has a right resist - by force - a search of their ship, or if a belligerent power has a right to search a neutral ship and carry the vessel back to their country for a trial. McHenry adds that the United States has no obligation to return deserters from British vessels, and...

Presumably in reference to effects of Jay's Treaty. Refers to declaration of French minister that the vessel in question belonged to France. Filed a suggestion on behalf of United States removing judicial power as not amenable to ordinary process of law. Discusses proof of time property came into French possession.

McHenry received letter from Hamilton regarding the embarrassment of delay in settlement of accounts for scheduled and ordinary expenses. He also observed that the selection of a new Inspector of Artillery should be left to his successor because of the intimate connection that officer must have with the Dept. of War.